Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide

7.6

Overall Rating

The base model Dodge Challenger itself is split into three trim levels called SXT, SXT PLUS and GT. Although this is not the trim that satisfies the adventure seekers, it is still a whole lot of equipment for the kind of money is offered at. It starts at an MSRP of $27,295 and competes against the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and the Chrysler 300. This is a category of very powerful American cars and the Dodge Challenger has a lot to prove to establish itself in this category. Let us see how it performs in this regard.

9.0/10
Features

7.0/10
Engine and Performance

7.0/10
Fuel Economy

6.0/10
Interior

7.0/10
Exterior

8.0/10
Safety

9.0/10
Competition

2018 Dodge Challenger Features

9.0/10

The 2018 Challenger has three trim levels as we have mentioned and they are called SXT, SXT PLUS, and GT. Out of these, the GT is the only all-wheel-drive offering in the line-up and does not find a lot of takers because the whole ethos of a car such as the Dodge Challenger is in the rear-wheel-drive set up. The car has not changed much in the past few years that it has been in production and does not find much in the name of changes this year either. Prices are unreasonable side with the base trim starting at just $27,295 without options and being reasonably equipped with features such as a 7-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch wheels, and so on.

Trims	SXT	SXT PLUS	GT
MSRP	$27,295	$29,995	$33,495
Key Features	Uconnect 4 with a 7-Inch Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto	Adds to or replaces SXT features:	All-Wheel Drive
	Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control	20-Inch Granite Crystal Aluminum Wheels	Dodge Performance Pages
	ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera	Heated and Ventilated Sport Nappa Leather-Trimmed Seats	19-Inch Aluminum Wheels
	Keyless Enter and Go Available for Remote Vehicle Start	Sirius Satellite Radio	Heated Leather-Wrapped Performance Steering Wheel with Paddle Shifters
	18-Inch Cast Aluminum Wheels	ParkSense Rear Park Assist System	Heated Leather-Trimmed Front Seats
		Six Premium Alpine Speakers

We Recommend

Since there is a wide range of trims on offer and you have narrowed it down to the base three trim levels, you have quite a lot of choice in itself here. First of all, between the powertrains, you are better off with the rear-wheel-drive layout as they bring out the driving dynamics of the car. Out of the two trims, we prefer you go with the SXT PLUS as it offers a lot of extra features for very little extra money. In terms of the optional extras, we recommend you add the Cold Weather package as well as Sound Group 1 and Sound Group 2 packages, which add features like a 9-speaker sound system and so on. The Driver Convenience Group also promises a lot of useful features and driver assists.

2018 Dodge Challenger Engine and Performance

7.0/10

The 2018 Dodge Challenger is powered by a 3.6 L V6 engine that is the smallest power plant offered with the car. This is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission that is not super energetic in terms of the shift quality or the speed with which it delivers them. It produces 305 hp and 268 pound-feet of torque. There are much bigger engines in the car and they are offered at much higher prices too. The drivetrain layout also comes with options. You get to choose between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

This is honestly the biggest attraction that buyers see in the car as it is hard to find such a capable engine for the sticker price this car is offered at. The steering feels is kind of a disappointment because it is not delivering any information you need. The ride quality is good because the suspension is tuned to deliver a very balanced performance. Although there is an optional sport-tuned suspension, it does not do much in bringing the weight of the car under control. Acceleration is extremely quick at 5.2 seconds to 60.

Model	2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe	2018 Ford Mustang	2018 Chevrolet Camaro	2018 Chrysler 300
MSRP	$27,295	$25,680	$25,905	$28,995
Engine	3.6L Naturally Aspirated V6	2.3L Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	6-speed manual	6-speed manual	RWD
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	8-speed automatic
Power	305 hp @ 6350 rpm	310 hp @ 5500 rpm	275 hp @ 5600 rpm	292 hp @ 6350 rpm
Torque	268 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	350 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	252 hp @ 4850 rpm
0-60 MPH	5.2 sec	5.2 sec	5.0 sec	6.6 sec
Quarter mile	12.6 sec	13.8 sec	13.6 sec	15.2 sec
Top Speed	155 mph	155 mph	165 mph	NA

The Dodge Challenger has one of the more powerful units in the segment. However, in terms of performance, it is the Chevrolet Camaro that is the most impressive. Although it’s power output is the lowest, it is the most violent in terms of performance and would provide for bragging rights just by standing still. The Dodge still has a decent grip on acceleration and can run the quarter-mile in the shortest time. The Chrysler has the least performance in the segment and if you are being real, it has a completely different character compared to the other cars here. In terms of price, it is the Ford Mustang that is truly impressive.

2018 Dodge Challenger Fuel Economy

7.0/10

The 3.6 L V6 engine in the Dodge might be a bit of a disappointment on the drag strip but it is a much more efficient engine for everyday driving. The 5.7 L V-8 might have the bragging rights in terms of performance but if you are paying for a gallon of gasoline for every 14 miles you traveled, it would soon raise serious questions about how much you love the car. 3.6 L Panthers that V6 prevents you from having this conversation with yourself as it returns 19 mpg in the city and a whopping 30 mpg on the highway, which is very decent for something that looks like a muscle car. It compensates with its 18.5-gallon fuel tank, which lets it have a decent range.

Model	2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe	2018 Ford Mustang	2018 Chevrolet Camaro	2018 Chrysler 300
Mpg city	19	21	24	19
Mpg highway	30	30	35	30
Mpg combined	25	26	28	23
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gallons	16 gallons	19 gallons	18.5 gallons
Range (miles)	351/550/463	336/480/416	456/665/532	352/555/425

Even though the Challenger has decent MPG figures, it is safe to say that some of its competitors are much more advanced in terms of engine technology. Its rivals, the Mustang and Camaro return slightly better fuel economy figures by almost a few MPG in every aspect. The Chevrolet Camaro comes out to be their leader in terms of range with its massive 19 gallons tank. The Chrysler returns nearly the same figures as the Dodge Challenger as it is powered by the same engine.

2018 Dodge Challenger Interior

6.0/10

When we said that the Dodge Challenger is all about the engine, what we also mean to say is that the interior is not the best place to be in. It has interiors from several years ago and has started to feel dated. The quality of materials can certainly be upgraded especially for it car that costs about $30,000. There are a good amount of features to compensate for the lack of sophistication though. One gets features like dual-zone automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, and so on.

It still has a driver-centric theme and hence is a welcoming place despite its shortcomings. The design has been borrowed from several generations of Dodge Challengers and definitely looks distinctive. In terms of interior space, it is much ahead in its category and has a 16.2 ft.³ of trunk, which is very much comparable to family sedans rather than other sports coupes. We would have liked it better if there was a design update soon.

Model	2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe	2018 Ford Mustang	2018 Chevrolet Camaro	2018 Chrysler 300
Passenger capacity	5	4	4	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.3/58.5/42	37.6/56.3/44.5	38.5/55/43.9	38.6/59.5/41.8
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.1/53.9/33.1	34.8/52.2/30.6	33.5/53/29.9	37.9/57.7/40.1
Cargo Volume (cube ft.)	16.2	13.5	9.0	16.3

Despite being a coupe it is extremely clear just how big the Dodge Challenger is on the inside when compared to its competition. There is a ton of space offered inside the car and five passengers can travel in the latest comfort. Seating capacities are nearly the same for all cars but the Ford Mustang and Camaro can only seat four people. The Challenger also has the biggest trunk capacity out of its rivals by quite a bit. The main interior features of the include:

Audio and cruise controls and steering
Keyless ignition
Rear parking sensors
Front and rear cupholders
4 one-touch power windows
Dual-zone climate control
Leather steering wheel

How intuitive is the infotainment system in the 2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe?

The infotainment system in the Challenger is quite new, unlike its interiors and mechanicals. It is the best of what the Chrysler group has to offer and comes with a UConnect 7.0 inch screen that provides navigation other necessary features. There are optional systems that are much better as well. The sound system was also quite decent and has six speakers in total. The standout infotainment features include:

8.4 touchscreen display interface
Auxiliary audio input
USB with external media control
AM/FM stereo
Satellite radio
Memory card slot
Speed sensitive volume control

2018 Dodge Challenger Exterior

7.0/10

The exterior styling of the Dodge Challenger has been similar for a while now but that is with reason. The car has followed a gentle evolution from what we have seen in the 70s. It is definitely beautiful and classy. However, it is still a striking design and reminds us of all the muscle cars of the past while still being packaged in modern attire. There are several packages available that can help you customize the Dodge Challenger according to your requirement. It has massive road presence as well.

Model	2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe	2018 Ford Mustang	2018 Chevrolet Camaro	2018 Chrysler 300
Curb weight(lbs.)	4232	3705	3685	4013
Length(in)	197.9	188.3	188.30	198.6
Width(in)	75.7	75.4	74.7	75
Height(in)	57.5	54.4	53.1	58.5
Ground clearance(in)	5.2	5.3	-	4.7
Wheelbase(in)	116.2	107.1	110.7	120.2

You cannot find a dimension where the Dodge Challenger is smaller than its rivals. Well, the Chrysler 300 is slightly bigger in some dimensions but you get the point we are trying to make. The heaviest car in this category is still the Dodge which does deduct points from it in terms of performance. The Camaro and Mustang are both smaller and lighter, which translates to a better performance on the track. When comparing the ground clearance, Mustang stands tallest to the ground at 5.3 inches. The main exterior features include:

Power sunroof
Modern hood stripe
Body-Colored Front Bumper
Body-Colored Rear Bumper
Black Side Windows Trim
Body-Colored Door Handles
Body-Colored Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding
Fixed Rear Window with Defroster
Light Tinted Glass
Variable Intermittent Wipers
Front license plate mounting package

2018 Dodge Challenger Safety

8.0/10

The Dodge Challenger is a heavy car but some of that is due to the amazing safety technology it packs inside. It has scored an overall five-star rating in the NHTSA crash tests but the IIHS had given it only a moderate rating. It also has impressive build quality and structural strength. You would also find a lot of active as well as passive safety features in the car. Some safety features include:

Antilock disc brakes
Automatic high beams
Blind-spot monitoring
Curtain airbags and front knee airbags
Rear cross-traffic alert
Forward collision warning
Tire pressure monitoring system

2018 Dodge Challenger Competition

9.0/10

2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe Vs. 2018 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is a much more modern alternative to a Challenger. Although both cars have muscle car roots, the Mustang is a much more sophisticated and performance-oriented coupé now. The Challenger is much more of a cruiser than Mustang is. Hence, if you take your car to a track more often, you will definitely enjoy the Mustang more. One would also find that the Mustang is priced much more reasonably despite being modern and sophisticated. Its interiors and was the better, it’s infotainment more modern and the quality much higher. It is a bonus that it has better fuel efficiency as well.

2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe vs. 2018 Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro is a very different car when compared with the Dodge Challenger now even though they were quite similar several decades ago. Like we said about the Mustang, the Camaro is also much more modern and sophisticated. It is the most performance-oriented vehicle in this category and has excellent acceleration and handling to back. It is built with luxury in mind much more than Challenger never was. It comes with a lot of functional advantages but has been compromised in terms of its interior space. If you’re after practicality, you are better off picking the Challenger but if you are after practicality, why are you looking at this category?

2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe Vs. 2018 Chrysler 300

The Dodge Challenger is easily the most dramatic car of this bunch. In that sense, the Chrysler 300 occupies the other end of the spectrum. It is a big surprise then that these cars are powered by the same engine and share several components. The Chrysler offers a truly special engine and is revered among all kinds of people as the ultimate full-size American sedan. However, the Challenger offers you better performance credentials and also a much more dramatic exterior and interior. If you prefer understated styling, however, the Chrysler 300 is truly your best bet. It is offered at a slightly higher price and has lesser fuel efficiency but is more practical.

2018 Dodge Challenger Final Verdict

The Dodge Challenger can be described as quite a bargain at less than $30,000. It is the car that has clearly retained its character throughout the years of its production and is very important to the history of American auto miles. Aside from being a little dated and the cabin not being up to mark, it is a great car. It offers excellent practicality for coupé although it does not have performance credentials to match these days. Also, we feel that the Challenger is truly exercising its strength when it is equipped with a 5.7 L V-8.

2018 Dodge Challenger FAQs

How much does the 2018 Dodge Challenger cost?

The 2018 Dodge Challenger is priced between $27,295 and $33,995, which is roughly $300 to $600 more than the previous generation.

How fast is the 2018 Dodge Challenger?

When equipped with the standard engine, the 2018 Dodge Challenger can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5.2 seconds. In 12.6 seconds, it completes a quarter-mile run.

Is the Dodge Challenger AWD?

Yes, The 2018 Dodge Challenger coupe is available with all-wheel drive but only on the GT trim level.

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Top User Reviews

User Overall Rating

Excellent muscle car!

Performance and Handling at their best

by Dahlia Pace

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affordable muscular sports car

attractively styled coupe with cumbersome handling.

by Marta Mccarthy

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Maneuvering this car takes muscle

Looks like they ran out of design ideas

by Griffin Wallace

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Hard to handle but very good looking

The exhaust note is just too good

by Heather White

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macho looking classic coupe

modern and powerful muscular sports coupe.

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2018 Dodge Challenger Price, Review, Ratings and Pictures

2018 Dodge Challenger Latest Updates

Pros

Cons

What's New?

2018 Dodge Challenger Consumer Reviews and Ratings

2018 Dodge Challenger Reviews

Excellent muscle car!

Pros - *Striking retro muscular looks *Unique driving experience *Roomy rear cabin *Razor-sharp handling

Cons - *Compromised rear visibility *Limited gas mileage

affordable muscular sports car

Pros - Undeniable swagger, roomy cabin, user friendly touchscreen and cushioned ride.

Cons - Cumbersome handling, light on safety tech and rear visibility is compromised.

Maneuvering this car takes muscle

Pros - Power packed. Friendly ergonomics. Crackling exhaust.

Cons - Dated design. Heavy steering. Side mirrors vibrate.

Features

vehicle bio

base price

bodystyle

passenger capacity

top speed

drivetrain

engine type

displacement

horsepower

torque

transmission

chassis

suspension front

dimensions

wheelbase

length

width

height

curb weight

ground clearance

capacity

passenger volume

cargo volume

performance

zero to 60 mph

zero to 100 mph

rolling start 5-60 mph

standing 1/4-mile

braking (70-0 mph)

fuel economy

city/combined/highway

highway range

warranty

basic warranty

drivetrain warranty

powertrain warranty

corrosion warranty

roadside assistance

Pictures & Videos

Trims

SXT$27,295 onwards

SXT Plus$28,690 onwards

GT$33,995 onwards

Colors and Styles

Ratings

Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide

7.6

2018 Dodge Challenger Features

2018 Dodge Challenger Engine and Performance

2018 Dodge Challenger Fuel Economy

2018 Dodge Challenger Interior

How intuitive is the infotainment system in the 2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe?

2018 Dodge Challenger Exterior

2018 Dodge Challenger Safety

2018 Dodge Challenger Competition

2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe Vs. 2018 Ford Mustang

2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe vs. 2018 Chevrolet Camaro

2018 Dodge Challenger Coupe Vs. 2018 Chrysler 300

2018 Dodge Challenger Final Verdict

Also Read:

2018 Dodge Challenger FAQs

Similar Cars

Top User Reviews

Pros - Striking retro muscular looks Unique driving experience Roomy rear cabin Razor-sharp handling

Cons - Compromised rear visibility Limited gas mileage